Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dreifaltigkeit | /dʁaɪ̯ˈfaltɪçˌkaɪ̯t/ | feminine |
| Dreieinigkeit | /dʁaɪ̯ˈʔaɪ̯nɪçkaɪ̯t/ /dʁaɪ̯ˈʔaɪ̯nɪkkaɪ̯t/ |
feminine |
| Trinität | /tʁiniˈtɛːt/ /tʁiniˈteːt/ |
feminine |
In a Christian context, these terms refer to the three persons of the Godhead. When referring specifically to the concept of the Holy Trinity, the adjective Heilige is almost always used to form the phrase Heilige Dreifaltigkeit. Additionally, the words Dreifaltigkeit, Trinität and Dreiheit can be used more broadly to mean a group or set of three people or things.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Dreifaltigkeit is composed of drei (three) and Faltigkeit (foldness or multiplicity).
Which one should you use?
While all three forms can mean trinity, they carry different nuances. Dreifaltigkeit is the most common term used in traditional Christian theological contexts and emphasizes the three distinct persons. Dreieinigkeit emphasizes the unity of the three persons. Trinität is a more technical, Latin-derived term used primarily in academic or formal theological discourse.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
All three forms, Dreieinigkeit, Dreifaltigkeit and Trinität, are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/dʁaɪ̯ˈfaltɪçˌkaɪ̯t/
Did you know?
- The Old High German ancestor of Dreifaltigkeit was thrī̌falt, which shows a phonetic evolution from the 'th' sound to the modern 'd' in drei.
- The word Dreieinigkeit uses the root Einigkeit, which in a non-religious context is the standard German word for 'harmony' or 'concord' between people.
- In German, the suffix -keit used in Dreifaltigkeit turns an adjective into an abstract noun. This is similar to how English adds 'ness' to words like 'darkness' or 'kindness'.
Examples in context
- Die Zeugen Jehovas glauben nicht an die heilige Dreifaltigkeit.Jehovah's Witnesses don't believe in the Holy Trinity.This sentence is useful for seeing how to express a lack of belief in the Dreifaltigkeit.Tatoeba #9839338 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9725003 by DJ_Saidez
- Der „Dreifaltigkeitsplatz“ war das ursprüngliche Zentrum von Sankt Petersburg.Trinity Square was the original center of St. Petersburg.This sentence shows how Dreifaltigkeit is used in a proper noun for a place name.Tatoeba #8120748 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8120742 by AlanF_US
- Die Heilige Dreifaltigkeit besteht aus drei Personen: dem Vater, dem Sohn und dem Heiligen Geist.The Holy Trinity is made up of three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.This sentence explains the composition of the Dreifaltigkeit.Tatoeba #13410568 by Ioan_Cristian, translation #13410574 by Ioan_Cristian
Example conversation
Sarah and Lukas are discussing a religious art painting in a museum.
- SarahWas stellt dieses Bild genau dar?What exactly does this painting represent?
- LukasEs symbolisiert die heilige Dreifaltigkeit.It symbolizes the holy trinity.
- SarahIst die Dreifaltigkeit in jeder Kirche ein Thema?Is the trinity a theme in every church?
- LukasJa, sie ist zentral im christlichen Glauben.Yes, it is central to the Christian faith.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “trinity” translations and entries Dreifaltigkeit, Dreieinigkeit, Trinität, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Dreieinigkeit, Dreifaltigkeit, Trinität, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
